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In a modern world where impatience, mass trends and uniformity seemingly reign supreme, sometimes we, as a collective international community, forget to slow down and observe the very things that make us human, as unique individuals or as collective cultures. In the latest filmEsperando el Tsunami (or visual album, as the group dubbed it), by French filmmakerVincent Moon (of La Blogotheque fame) in collaboration with Colombian/Argentinian musicians Lulacruza, the trio examined in detail the diversity and strength of community through music (and sound in general) in its wide array of indigenous forms over a period of a month and a half through various spontaneous adventures in Columbia. Cultural extinction is a wide spread phenomenon in the increasingly modern world via a variety of means including food source elimination in particular. Moon and Lulacruza capture the very essence of the vanishing Columbian culture and natural environment on film which in many ways seeks to educate the international public to harbor, protect, or at a minimum, just highlight the people and places the camera captured, even if only for a fleeting moment.
As mentioned above, this “visual album” bridges the gap between music, film, and spoken-word in a fluid, infectious statement. Field recordings in collaboration with local folk music makers highlighted the spontaneous nature and strength of music to bring people together towards a common interest including healing, religious rites, and joyous celebration. Overall, the film is about communication in its various forms and the beauty, diversity, and uniqueness of each style and its relationship to its region and the people which inhabit its ecosystem. The group noted that, “Columbia is the country with the most flora and fauna species by square km in the world.” Considering the lush and diverse environment, it’s not surprising to find just as wide an array of rich musical and cultural styles as we travel along with the band.
Criscrossing around the country, from the mountains, desert, and the sea, Lulacruzadeveloped soothing and invigorating musical journey in collaboration with the locals as Moonhighlighted the essence of each place in detail; the ever patient ‘Man with the Motion Picture Camera’. Those unfamiliar with Lulacruza’s musical style should be well initiated through the film within the first few moments, as Alejandra Ortiz’s spellbinding chanting and singing paired with natural noise-makers, electronic or formal percussive elements via Luis Maurette create an all-encompassing control over the viewer. In addition to this, Moon and his sound team incorporated a wide-array of natural soundscapes to aid the depth of auditory field and highlight the given place’s mood and soul.
In addition to the inspirational overall objective of the film, the release itself follows up on the ground-breaking marketing style as first debuted on Moon’s last film, An Island featuringEfterklang in 2011. The film is available to anyone in the world willing to open their homes or spaces to screen the film in what the director coined Public/Private Screenings. (You can find out more about the screenings here, including how to hold or attend one.) This project in particular gained strength through a Kickstarter fund, which allowed supporters a wide array of benefits in return for donations which provide d the group with travel and equipment funds. Considering the widespread interest in indie film and music in an international objective, the project was, not surprisingly, heavily supported through donations.
As for the film itself, Moon’s eclectic visual prowess, methodical timing, and patience are often the substance of the film, while these visual albums more or less are deprived of a true narrative or formal plot. More so often we are held in flux as a viewer in the back seat of the journey with no idea of our next adventure. The slow, brooding style asking the viewer to slow down in order to travel along is certainly a risk; though the tone of the film requests our acceptance and presence in the moment and respect for the subject matter. Visually speaking, the scenery and cinematography are striking and beautiful and we would expect of one of the Earth’s most vibrant ecosystems. Moon’s ability to use color and light sparingly as a highlight whether as a contrasting bird in nature or a bracelet on a child in an urban setting and capturing the simplistic elements of place are certainly well executed and add visual depth and interest. Asking for forgiveness, welcoming, and acceptance, Lulacruza’s obvious deep connection to the earth is touching and inspiring.
“There in the most profound darkness is where light grows and shines strongest”
As we see in the film, sometime the only way we can find out who we truly are as individuals is to listen to the place that surrounds us, gives us life, and feeds our energy. Opening our hearts to the world around us and patiently listening is the only way to absorb it. In the end, we must realize that we are all connected to this place we call home. The overarching theme of the film focuses strongly on respect: respect for the Earth, respect for culture, respect for musical diversity, and the respect for silence. If this film achieves one thing, it forces the viewer to slow down, breathe deeply, and truly pondered the place they call home. Listen to the sound of the earth, let it grasp you, and teach you its story.
